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Crystal Palace fan to visit 91 football grounds in 14 days

A Crystal Palace fan is visiting all 91 football league grounds in just two weeks as he raises money for charity.

Chris Porter, 53, started the trek this week which will take him from as far south as Plymouth to the giddy heights of Newcastle in the space of 14 days. The catch is he can only take a train, tram or cycle.

The task began on May 12 at Norwich City Football club and will finish on Sunday May 25 at Selhurst Park FC with the trip totalling a mammoth 1,613 miles.

Mr Porter, who is director of JF Hillebrand UK a freight and logistics service provider to the drinks industry, is hoping to raise £10,000 for the Benevolent.

The passionate Crystal Palace fan is chairman of the Benevolent which is The Drinks Industry Charity. They help those who are suffering from illness, disability or when their quality of life, through no fault of their own, has been devastated through unforeseen circumstances.

Crystal Palace co-chairman Stephen Browett, who also owns wine merchants Farr Vintners, has stood and sat next to Mr Porter for more than 30 years.

Chris Porter

Mr Browett has pledged to double the total amount raised at the end of the challenge. So far nearly £10,000 has been raised with barely a week gone.

The Palace co-owner also met up with Chris at Brentford FC as part of his second day on the road.

The 53-year-old said: “I am excited about this Challenge in so many ways. The main aim is of course to raise as much money as possible for The Benevolent which is a great charity.

“Several people have already asked “is anyone doing it with you” – all are welcome! It is not all about the harder physical elements and against-the-clock deadlines.

“I’m looking forward to seeing as many people as possible en route from colleagues to football fans.

“Whether it is just to say hello and donate, or to join me for part of the route, any support of any kind would be great and very welcome.”

He added: “As well as my love of the game and our home, Selhurst Park, it’s really the away travels that have given me some of my most memorable moments supporting Palace.

“I have made some of my best friends supporting Palace and together we have travelled the length and breadth of our land.

“It was this in particular that prompted me to think of an around the grounds challenge, I’d always had an idea I may do them all. So why not do it for this great cause and make it a logistical challenge to do them all over 14 days.”